Charlie Pickering ends ABC’s NYE coverage with uncomfortable police gag

Charlie Pickering had an awkward moment during the final seconds of 2017, after trying to crack a joke about NYE revellers kissing police officers.

Charlie Pickering. Picture: Hamish Blair.

Comedian Charlie Pickering had an awkward slip of the tongue during the final seconds of 2017, after trying to crack a joke about New Year’s Eve revellers kissing police officers.

Pickering hosted the ‘Countdown’ themed New Year’s Eve celebrations with Triple J radio host Zan Rowe.

While the ABC has come under fire in recent years for their haphazard coverage of the New Year’s celebrations, the new duo seemed to cruise through evening with ease, joking that their 2018 resolution was to come back again to host next year’s event.

In the final moments of the coverage, Pickering attempted to pump up the crowd before the 10-second countdown.

“We’re getting ready count it down to the magical moment...the only time it’s OK to kill a police officer...sorry I meant kiss a police officer,” he said.

The quick correction put the evening back on track but people have since taken to Twitter demanding that the official New Year’s Eve coverage contract be taken from the ABC and handed over to the Nine Network this year.

Others have jumped in to defend Pickering.